Cambridge could be transformed into a “world-class place for cycling” but is hampered by the city’s currently limited infrastructure, the Chairman of the National Infrastructure Commission has claimed.

Lord Adonis has tasked Andrew Gilligan, former Cycling Commissioner for London, to work with local councils and local organisations to create a vision of what is required for cycling to become a “super attractive” mode of transport in Cambridge, Milton Keynes and Oxford.

The new project will see what more can be done to deliver a step-change in cycling to boost the commuting method – with hints this could mean more cycle lanes for Cambridge.

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Mr Gilligan will provide advice over the summer on how the existing infrastructure can be used better, and what more could be done to help local residents to get on their bikes. His appointment follows discussions with local authority leaders across the areas.

The National Infrastructure Commission state that cycling is already a popular mode of transport locally – with more than a fifth of Cambridge residents commuting by bike, the largest proportion in the country.

Oxford comes second nationally, with 19 per cent of commuters choosing to travel this way – yet both cities suffer from relatively limited infrastructure specifically designed for bikes.

In contrast, Milton Keynes already has an extensive network of cycle lanes but proportionally few people choose to cycle.

A man keeps dry while cycling down Trumpington Street

Speaking about the new project, Lord Adonis said: “Residents in Cambridge, Milton Keynes and Oxford are already keen cyclists – but I’m convinced more can be done to make their commutes on two wheels easier and safer.

“Andrew Gilligan’s work in London has led to dedicated lanes, and the number of cyclists in the capital have doubled in the last decade.

“So I’m delighted that he will be advising how these three cities could be transformed into world-class places for cyclists, and places for other cities to learn from.”

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Local support for cycling initiative

The National Infrastructure Commission was established in 2015 to offer independent advice to Government on addressing the UK’s long-term infrastructure needs.

A key part of the Commission’s work has been to examine how best to realise the full economic potential of the “Growth Corridor” of Cambridge, Milton Keynes and Oxford.

An initial report, published in November 2016, warned that a lack of sufficient and suitable housing presents a fundamental risk to the future success of the area - but it also highlighted the need for improved transport connections to help support economic growth.

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Further advice on this will be presented to Ministers later this year, which will also draw on the findings from Andrew Gilligan’s work.

His appointment has been welcomed by local council leaders.

Councillor Lewis Herbert, Leader of Cambridge City Council and Chair of the Greater Cambridge Partnership, said: “As the UK's acknowledged 'cycling city' we are already investing over £20m in cycling routes currently to stay at the top, but working with our good friends in Oxford and Milton Keynes will make even more progress.”

James Palmer, Mayor of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, said it is encouraging to see that the National Infrastructure Commission is looking to devote resources to investigate how cycling in the city can be developed.

Artist's impression of the Ditton Meadows cycle bridge

He added: “As an already established and popular mode of transport for Cambridge, the interest from the NIC demonstrates their desire to build on the progress that has been made and make cycling in Cambridge even better.

“I look forward to working with the NIC and partners in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough on their vision.”

Councillor Steve Count, Cambridgeshire County Council leader, said the council has worked hard to obtain funding for lots of new cycling projects in recent years.

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He added: “Our objective is to get more people cycling by providing the right facilities and links. “More people cycling means less congestion, boosts the economy and improves health.

“We welcome the opportunity to work with the National Infrastructure Commission and Andrew Gilligan."

07/05/17 - A group of cyclists from the A10 Corridor Cycling Campaign, met at Trumpington Park and Ride before setting off to cycle down the A10. Picture: Keith Jones

Andrew Gilligan will also look at what funding and financing would be required if changes were to be made in Cambridge and the other two cities.

He will work with council leaders and other local organisations to help develop plans to improve the cycling experience, with the aim of making Cambridge, Milton Keynes and Oxford models for others to follow – both here in the UK and abroad.